Hotels in Dominican Republic
Essential information for Dominican Republic
Yes. Tourist visas are required for British citizens. They cost $10pp and can be obtained pre-departure or on arrival.
Departure Tax: US$20
Departure tax is US$20. Scheduled airlines sometimes include this charge in the price of the ticket. Please check at time of booking.
You know the scrunchy feeling you get when you curl your toes in fine white powdered sand? That tingle when you run splashing into the most beautiful warm water you’ve ever seen? The deep relaxation that comes from simply soaking up the tropical sun? That’s what our Dominican Republic holidays have to offer. Ultimate. Beach. Holiday. And the area has so much more to give – astonishing culture, sumptuous food and scintillating music. But best of all it’s still a bit of a secret.
Holidays to the Dominican Republic feature more than their fair share of superb, sun-drenched beaches, sympathetically-designed resorts and stunning golf courses. Resorts pulse to a syncopated beat that’s made up of a mix of the most extraordinary diversity of cultures; Spanish, African, American, French and the native Taino all thrown together like a rainbow clay. And what emerges is some of the freshest, most vibrant and exotic cultural forms you will ever experience. We’re talking great food, wonderful music and super-friendly people. One of the most popular Dominican Republic resorts, Punta Cana, won the 2016 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards as the number one place to go in the Caribbean. It’s also a favourite Dominican Republic honeymoon destination. Will you be the next to discover this stunning destination?
What amazing things can you do on Dominican Republic holidays?
For the ultimate luxury experiences try the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino or The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real. The Hard Rock Hotel brings swagger in the form of double hydro tubs throughout, 13 swimming pools with distinct vibes, epically entertaining bars and the magnificent Rock Spa. The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, meanwhile, features an exclusive beach club, a concierge service and adults-only restaurant headed by Spanish chef supreme, Martin Berasategui, holder of no less than eight Michelin stars. Whether the Hard Rock Hotel or Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real or is for you, both offer an unforgettable all-inclusive Dominican Republic experience.
If you love golf then you’re going to be very happy in the Dominican Republic as the country is a stick and bag heaven on Earth. Designed by heavyweights such as Tom Fazio, PB Dye and Jack Nicklaus, the golf courses here are out of this world. They’re big, they’re open and they rank consistently among the top golf courses anywhere. Punta Cana itself has three amazing oceanside courses plus the 27 holes of La Cana Golf club. Find out why the Dominican Republic is such a buzz among golfers. Try staying at the Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa hotel with two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses just a stroll away.
Dominican Republic is home to some of the most exhilarating, absorbing and spectacular water sports opportunities anywhere in the world. Kite surfing is the latest adrenaline-surging craze, and is available on most beaches, as are opportunities to snorkel and swim with the fishes on spooky sunken wrecks and stunning coral reefs. For the more adventurous, deep-sea fishing trips can easily be arranged where tuna, shark and marlin are all potential catches of the day that will take some wrestling on to the deck. For those just looking to take it easy, cruises offer romantic views of sunsets, while wining and dining you. The Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort is situated on Bavaro Bay where shimmering tropical waters are calmed by a large coral reef offshore, making it ideal for water sports enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an all-inclusive Dominican Republic holiday.
You may never get enough of the beach, but if you want to be adventurous the Dominican Republic has so much more to offer. You can explore majestic mountains, amazing beaches, the bustling, thriving metropolis of Santo Domingo and some sublimely beautiful national parks. There’s the coral reef to dive on, and the lucky may even get to catch a glimpse of a manatee or whale.
Just like all the other Caribbean islands, the people of the Dominican Republic like nothing better than a party. Wherever you go music and good times will be happening all around you. But the Dominican Republic has more in common with Latin America than with England, so instead of calypso or plodding reggae, you’ll find your booty vibrating to the sophisticated rhythms of merengue and bachata, as you discover a whole new kind of music. Suavemente!
Food and drink
The Dominican Republic is rightly famous for its amazing food. Influenced by French, Spanish and local cuisines, the food is like nothing else in the world. Sure, there’s incredible grilled fish to be had everywhere, but you’ll also discover:
While the rest of the Caribbean may flip its lid for cricket, baseball (béisbol) is the national sport of the Dominican Republic. You’ll see it played on every street corner, on the beach and in a national league that runs from October to December. If you’ve never experienced a match, and happen to be in the right place at the right time it’s a richly rewarding experience, and a great way of getting right under the skin of local life.
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